Le Roi d'Ys

In the kingdom of Cornouaille on the Breton coast, the war between Prince Karnac and the inhabitants of the city of Ys has finally come to an end. The condition for the peace treaty is that Karnac marries Princess Margared. But her love for Mylio, who is engaged to her sister Rozenn, will cause a terrible catastrophe, fueled by her thirst for revenge. Edouard Lalo found an inspiring libretto for his opera "Le Roy d'Ys", which he realized with a rarely achieved sense of theatrical urgency. Supported by a powerful, colorful production, the characters can fully develop their passions. In particular, the role of Margared makes the work one of the most important French Romantic operas. It was first performed in Paris in 1888 and celebrated a great triumph that was confirmed by all revivals in the provinces and abroad. Although the work lasts barely two hours, it is full of dramatic situations: Breton festivities, the supernatural appearance of St. Corentin, a wedding accompanied by the organ, a tidal wave whose stormy waves are depicted with great effect. with this unique production at the Paris Opera, "Le Roi d'Ys" now receives the appreciation that was unfortunately denied to it during Lalo's lifetime.